Human and animal anthrax in Ethiopia: A retrospective record review 2009-2013

Abstract

Globally, 10,000-100,000 human anthrax incidences occur annually with significant number of cases from Chad, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and India. Even though anthrax is a reportable disease in Ethiopia, data have not been analyzed and interpreted for public health intervention. During the past five years, 2009-2013, human and animal anthrax surveillance data were officially requested and received from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture respectively (Reference). The data were analyzed by time and place using micro soft Excel and Epi- info 7.3.1. A total of 5,197 human and 26,737 animal anthrax cases (human to animal ratio 1:5) were reported from 2009 to 2013 with 86 human anthrax deaths (Case Fatality Rate:1.7 %). The National human prevalence was found to be 1.3 per 100,000 populations per five years, while it was 6.7, 2.3, 1.5 and 0.2 in Tigray, Amhara, SNNP and Oromia regions respectively. Zero human case was reported from pastoralist regions with 55-216 animal cases (Afar, Somali and Benshangul Gumuz). The human prevalence was high in May followed by February (0.20 and 0.15 per 100,000 populations per year respectively) This data analysis revealed that less number of human anthrax cases were reported than animal cases (ratio 1:5) in Ethiopia. The pastoralist areas where humans and animals co-exist closely did not report a single human case for the last five years. To determine the magnitude of anthrax in Ethiopia both human and animal surveillance system should be strengthened giving due attention to pastoralist areas. Prevention intervention should be in place in areas where the prevalence of the disease is high.

Keywords: Animal, Anthrax, Ethiopia, Human, Surveillance.